Richard Olds, M.D., Former Dean of the School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside

Duane Champagne, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology and American Indian Studies, Professor of Law, University of California, Los Angeles

Steven A. Leibo, Ph.D., Professor of International History & Politics, The Sage Colleges; Associate in Research, Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies, Harvard University

Michele Salzman, Ph.D., Professor of History, University of California, Riverside

Inés Hernández-Avila, Ph.D, Professor of Native American Studies, University of California, Davis

CLICK HERE to see additional historians, archaeologists, ethnographers, other scientists, experts, and leaders who have studied and value the California desert region, and support national monuments designations in the California desert.

Faith Leaders

Assemblies of God’s Southern Pacific District (CLICK HERE to see the support letter from 100 clergy members)

Other Stakeholders and Constituents

CLICK HERE to see the overwhelming support from many HUNDREDS of individuals throughout the California desert for Mojave Trails, Sand to Snow, and Castle Mountains National Monuments.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

Jan Harnik, City of Palm Desert Council Member

“Local residents and visitors from all over have long been drawn to the beauty of the California desert. The desert includes some of the most spectacular scenery in the nation and that has made tourism and recreation an important part of our local economy. The proposed Mojave Trails and Sand to Snow National Monuments offer great benefits to our region. We must protect these places for future generations to enjoy.”

Bill Vincent, President, Joshua Tree Chamber of Commerce

“The lands of the proposed Mojave Trails and Sand to Snow National Monuments are incredibly valuable to the Joshua Tree Gateway Communities and other desert towns through conservation in their current state. Permanently protecting these lands will provide support and opportunity for future economic development in the region by sustaining tourism and recreation for visitors and attracting retirees and other new residents who love the unique beauty of the California desert.”

Suzi Dennett, Executive Director, Death Valley Chamber of Commerce

“Key to our support of this designation is that the public can continue to enjoy the many uses of these lands. Hunters can continue to track chukar and mule deer. Wildlife watchers can still stake out a spring or sand dune to find bighorn sheep or Mojave fringe-toed lizards. Off-highway vehicle riders will still enjoy access to more than a thousand miles of routes; the designation of Mojave Trails will not close roads. Rockhounds will continue to search for trilobites and rare gems in the monument’s rocky expanses. Hikers will find limitless opportunities to scramble up a mountain or trudge down a lush desert wash. And those of us who simply want to take in a sweeping vista will find the landscape unaltered, offering respite from the frantic pace of the modern world.”

“Latinos have an important voice in the protection of our public lands. We have a moral responsibility to future generations to protect God’s creation – preserving the mountains, rivers, deserts and other breathtaking landscapes of our nation. Protecting the California desert is crucial not only to the majority of local economies in the area, but also to the spiritual well-being of our community.”

Pastor Raul Velasquez, New Beginnings Christian Center

“We have a moral responsibility to protect God’s creation – the California desert. These proposed national monuments are our legacy to pass onto the next generation. I participated in a hike of the desert earlier this year with a group of young people. This experience highlighted the need for our young people to be the stewards our lands, especially at a time of changing demographics. Nearly 50 percent of those living in the Inland Empire are Latinos – and we have a critical voice in the protection of our public lands. That’s why I’m adding my support to this effort.”

Carlos Simental, U.S. Navy veteran

“I strongly support the designation of the Mojave Trails and Sand to Snow National Monuments. Our California desert lands are a tribute to our past and a promise to future generations. As a veteran, I’ve found solace in visiting these places and many of my fellow veterans have done the same. After returning home from a tour of duty, spending time outdoors hiking, fishing and camping is a way that many veterans decompress, reconnect with family, and return to civilian life. These national monuments would offer a place to do just that.”

“Given the importance of [protecting the California desert] and the challenge of moving legislation through Congress, our elected officials should use every tool in the toolbox. That includes urging the president to designate special lands as national monuments.”

“With such a rich history and important contributions to our quality of life, it’s critical that we protect our desert public lands. That’s why the Coachella Valley Conservation Commission and leaders from across Riverside County have joined a diverse coalition of community leaders, veterans, clergy, sportsmen and business owners in supporting Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s effort.”

Eva Soltes, Director of Harrison House Music, Arts and Ecology

“We remain committed to protecting all of the lands outlined in the California Desert Conservation and Recreation Act of 2015. This legislation represents a balanced approach that was built from the ground-up by diverse stakeholders. The call for national monument designations is in line with this effort. We want to see every tool available used to protect these special lands for future generations – from national monument designation by President Obama to passing the California Desert Conservation and Recreation Act by Congress.”

Jim Conkle, Former Chair of the Route 66 Alliance

“The proposed Mojave Trails National Monument holds an important piece of American history – the most intact stretch of historic Route 66. Dubbed ‘The Mother Road’ by John Steinbeck, Route 66 transformed the West as the shortest route across the country. The lands in the proposed Mojave Trails and Sand to Snow National Monuments also hold ancient fossil beds, Native American sites, and other wonders. National monument designations would protect these important pieces of our collective heritage.”

“The open vistas, desert oases, historic treasures and many hiking trails in the proposed national monuments offer adventure, solitude, and fresh air to the many visitors who love these landscapes. It is important that these lands will be available for campers, hikers, anglers, rock hounders, and other recreationalists for generations into the future. National monument designations will put these lands on the map for future visitors and highlight their unique geology, animals, and plant life.”